Cancelled US title defence 'no setback' for Billy 'The Kid' Dib

IBF featherweight boxing champion Billy Dib says the cancellation of his world title defence in the US is not a setback and he wants to explore the possibilities of fighting in the Middle East.

Dib was due to make the third defence of his title against unbeaten Puerto Rican professional Jayson Velez at New York's Madison Square Garden on December 2. But Dib - who is managed by American rapper 50 Cent - has had his fight pulled from the card compiled by Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

''Promoters and networks in America carry heavy agendas and have different interests. Unfortunately for me, I got caught up in all their politics and missed a spot on a big card,'' Dib said. The Velez fight was to be Dib's chance to showcase his new, more aggressive style to American fight fans four years after he last fought there.

''I don't consider it to be a setback - America is not everything to me,'' he said. ''Where one opportunity closes, another one opens up. I'm the champion of the world and, as such, I will dictate the terms of my career.''

A mandatory defence against Argentine Mauricio Munoz looms as Dib's next bout, but he is keen to show his skills to audiences beyond Australia and America.

''We want to explore fighting out of Arabia. ''I'm heading in that direction once my mandatory against Munoz has been done,'' said Dib, who is of Lebanese heritage.

AAP

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